Substance use

Help with alcohol or drug use

If you think that you or someone else might need support with their drug and alcohol use, there is a wide range of help available.  There are professional services run by the NHS, social services and charities. More information on recovery from alcohol and drug problems.

Some services can support families with issues around alcohol and drug use.

Circle - the harbour project

The Harbour project offers support to children and families affected by parental substance use including parenting, family relationships and practical support. Children can be referred for individual support through a partnership with the Sunflower Garden project. 

Circle - the harbour project's father's worker

This Father Support Worker service offers individual and family support for fathers, affected by substance use, in their role as a parent. For more information contact 

alix.brown@circle.scot  

07743 929 497

Maker's group   

Free family friendly activity sessions for families to meet with others who have lived experiences of substance use. Enjoy arts and crafts, Lego building, cooking and board games. Snacks and drinks included.

Sessions run on Fridays from 12.30pm to 2pm at

The Thistle Foundation
13 queens walk
EH16 4EA

Sessions run on Tuesday from 3.30pm until 5pm at

Valley Park Community Centre
37 Southhouse Road
EH17 8EU

Sessions run on Wednesday from 3.30pm until 5pm at

Circle
18 West Pilton Park
EH4 4EJ

For more info and to join contact

ian.shield@circle.scot

07564 054 512

Bridge to freedom

This Christian recovery programme is for adults who are willing to get well and break free from substances. Individuals can join at any time and follow-up support is available. The groups are run by Bethany Christian Church and run on Mondays from 2pm to 4pm in Leith and Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm in the West End.

For more information and venue details contact 

joemccormack@bethanychristiantrust.com 

07458 016976

Vocal Family Support Addictions

This service offers support for parents, friends, partners and other family members who are affected by someone else’s drinking and drug use. 

For more information visit the VOCAL Family Support Addictions website or contact 

fsa@vocal.org.uk 

0131 622 6666

Rainbow Recovery - family and friends service

This supportive group runs to support people affected by a family member or friend's drug or alcohol use. It offers a confidential space to offload without judgement, a safe space to talk things through and the chance to help others by sharing your own experience and having a cuppa too. Participants are welcome to bring babies and young children if they don't have childcare. The group meets on Wednesdays from 12pm to 1.30pm and on the first Thursday of the month from 7pm to 8.30pm at

Gorgie Memorial Hall
338 Gorgie Road
EH11 2QU

For more information contact 

hello.rainbowrecovery@gmail.com 

07732 418 597

PrePare

This intensive parental substance use service offers support before, during and after the baby's birth and works with women who are pregnant or have just given birth and are affected by drugs or alcohol.

For more information visit the City of Edinburgh Council's PrePare webpage contact 

cf.prepare@edinburgh.gov.uk 

0131 453 9208

Young People Substance Use Service (YPSUS)

YPSUS is a partnership of Edinburgh agencies offering help and support for young people (up to the age of 21 years) who use substances including alcohol.

For more information visit the Young People Substance Use Service website or contact 

ypsus@edinburgh.gov.uk 

0131 529 6700

SPACE youth befriending for children 

SPACE Youth Befriending offers support to children and young people aged five to 16 years affected by parental drug or alcohol use. For more information email

youthbefriending@spacescot.org

Supporting parents and carers

We hope you can find the information you need, if you require help finding supports email us at